Viaa Receives $3,000 Donation, Expands Outreach
The Virgin Islands Alzheimer's Association has received a $3,000 donation from the BVI Social Security Board to support its territorial outreach efforts. Alongside this financial boost, the non-profit recently hosted an educational session on Virgin Gorda focused on combating elderly financial abuse.
The Virgin Islands Alzheimer's Association (VIAA) has received a meaningful boost to its community advocacy, securing a $3,000 donation from the BVI Social Security Board (BVISSB). The contribution was presented by the Board's Human Resources Business Partner, Manzie Skeete, who reaffirmed the statutory body's ongoing commitment to the association's mission.
Expressing gratitude for the partnership, VIAA President Edna Williams highlighted that institutional support remains vital for delivering essential services to affected families across the territory. She emphasized that such contributions enable the organization to extend its reach, ensuring residents navigating Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia receive proper resources, guidance, and community backing.
In tandem with its fundraising efforts, the association has been actively conducting grassroots outreach across the Sister Islands. On September 17, the VIAA held an awareness session on Virgin Gorda focusing on the issue of elderly financial abuse. Facilitated by David Abendego, the discussion guided community members through recognizing subtle indicators of exploitation, identifying vulnerability factors among seniors, and implementing safeguards to protect older adults.
Williams underscored that safeguarding the territory's senior population requires continuous vigilance and community-wide dialogue. She noted that financial abuse can frequently happen in silence, making proactive education and caregiver engagement critical in ensuring that older individuals remain respected, safe, and supported.
Looking ahead, the VIAA plans to continue expanding its educational footprint through strategic partnerships with government agencies, civic organizations, and local families. The association is encouraging local community groups, businesses, and civic institutions across the British Virgin Islands to schedule brain health workshops and informational presentations by connecting with the VIAA via email or its official Facebook page.
Primary source: 284 Media